This way, Lord Gu also sensed that something was amiss.
Seeing that the refugee camp in Ping'an County was already taking shape, Lord Gu came to the schoolhouse early one morning, saying he wanted to see Mu Changxi.
Noticing Lord Gu's displeased expression, Song Chaoyu whispered to Tiao Hong with a smile, "Oh, it looks like we're in for something big today!"
Tiao Hong also covered her mouth and chuckled, "It's alright. After all, we've already handled the most difficult part. If Lord Gu regrets it now, it's probably too late."
Song Chaoyu followed Lord Gu into the schoolhouse. Mu Changxi was planning on a map, intending to create a dedicated area for treating the illnesses of the elderly and children.
The floodwaters had passed, and the refugees were finally no longer displaced. However, the subsequent epidemics also needed to be controlled.
While moving this area would naturally be beneficial for the refugees, Lord Gu's heart ached as he considered how much silver would be needed.
"Lord Gu."
Mu Changxi knew that Lord Gu had come today to discuss something important.
He did not look up, busy with his current task, and then said to Lord Gu, "If you have something to say, please speak your mind."
"Ahem!"
Lord Gu coughed lightly and then looked at Pingjiang and the others, "There are some matters that I, your subordinate, would still like to discuss with His Highness alone. May I ask... if it is convenient?"
Mu Changxi waved his hand, signaling Pingjiang to withdraw.
Lord Gu's gaze then shifted to Song Chaoyu, who was standing beside him.
"The Princess and I are of one heart; there is no need to avoid her."
Mu Changxi, without looking up, understood Lord Gu's intention.
Lord Gu scratched his head, "Very well, very well! Indeed, there are many things that need not be hidden from Her Highness the Princess."
He stepped forward and began to lay out his thoughts for Mu Changxi, "Your subordinate knows that Your Highness brought some relief silver to Haizhou City. As the area most severely affected by the flood, Haizhou City naturally deserves attention. However, in the mere five days since I arrived in Ping'an County, I have watched the silver flow out like water. May I ask Your Highness, do we have enough silver on hand?"
Song Chaoyu knew what he was implying, and Mu Changxi also knew.
However, Mu Changxi pretended not to know and finally looked up at Lord Gu, "Lord Gu's words serve as a reminder to me. Before coming, I truly did not anticipate that the situation in Haizhou would be this severe. I fear that the silver His Majesty sent me with will indeed not be enough."
"Ah?"
Lord Gu was stunned, not quite understanding what Mu Changxi was saying!
Mu Changxi's fingers lightly tapped the desk beside him, "In addition to this, I also recalled something. When disaster relief was carried out in the past, I heard that the prefectural offices of various regions were supposed to contribute some effort and funds. Why have I not seen any contribution from you, Lord Gu?"
Lord Gu had not expected his words to "backfire."
He had come to ask for money, but instead, Mu Changxi was asking him for money.
Lord Gu's expression changed, and his smile became strained, "This... Your Highness, are you not making things difficult for your subordinate? Since Haizhou was struck by disaster, the prefectural office has had constant expenditures. Where else could we find more money to offer? Alas..."
He sighed, intending to explain, "Perhaps Your Highness is handling disaster relief for the first time and is unaware of the situation? In truth, how much relief silver is considered enough for these refugees? They will not only fail to appreciate the imperial grace but may even be insatiably greedy! Your Highness truly need not be so kind to these refugees, nor spend so much silver on them!"
He truly couldn't hold back!
Yet, he dared to speak so directly to Mu Changxi without understanding him. Song Chaoyu, on the other hand, felt that this Lord Gu was perhaps the one who was insatiably greedy.
Song Chaoyu lowered the disdain in her eyes and looked at Mu Changxi.
Mu Changxi raised his right eyebrow and sneered at Lord Gu, "I am unaware of the meaning behind your words, Lord Gu? Look at the refugees outside; none of them are causing trouble. They are all victims of the disaster. If the relief silver allocated by the court is not for them, then for whom is it intended, you or me?"
"Yes, that is the principle!"
Lord Gu seized the opportunity to "climb down the pole," "Dealing with these refugees is sufficient! The relief silver should naturally be led by Your Highness and us to do more for the court and make greater contributions!"
"So that's how it is!"
Mu Changxi's eyes gradually grew cold.
Lord Gu, however, did not notice, becoming even more pleased, thinking that Mu Changxi had understood his intentions, "Your Highness, please be enlightened. If people like us follow Your Highness, we will have benefits in the future. As for everything in Haizhou City, just leave it to us. We guarantee that all the Emperor will know is Your Highness's diligent disaster relief efforts, and nothing else!"
Lord Gu's smiling demeanor suggested that the silver had already entered his pockets.
Song Chaoyu's lips curved into a cold smile.
Mu Changxi once again tapped the desk with his finger, "Lord Gu, do you know what crime it is to say these words to me now?"
Lord Gu's smile froze on his face.
He had never expected Mu Changxi to say such a thing, "This... what do you mean, Your Highness? Is my meaning not clear enough? Actually, this—"
"Enough, no need to say more."
Mu Changxi waved his hand, interrupting Lord Gu, "Your meaning is perfectly clear. It is just that I am unaware of how you accounted for the relief efforts in the past, using such methods, to His Majesty?"
"Oh... Your Highness is worried about not being able to account to His Majesty?"
Lord Gu, conversely, relaxed, "This is not difficult. Refugees causing trouble is a common occurrence throughout the ages, and it is not the first time it has happened since Your Highness took charge. His Majesty will naturally send troops to suppress those troublemaking refugees, and it will have nothing to do with Your Highness!"
"Oh? Is that so?"
Mu Changxi sneered, "So, that Mr. Xuyuan was suppressed by you in this manner, and then you made him a wanted person? You truly have good ideas and good intentions!"
"Bang—"
Mu Changxi, who had been smiling moments ago, now had cold eyes. He then slammed the teacup in his hand towards Lord Gu, "Lord Gu, you are all good officials of Haizhou City! Is this your method of disaster relief? How dare you covet the relief silver right in front of me?"